Questions, Concerns, Newbie!

Good morning to all! I suppose I would be considered new here. I've just signed up last week, and am amazed at the amount and quality of info that is provided here. I am 30 yrs old, mother of 2, and wife to a wonderful husband. I was diagnosed with Endo at age 14. I endured the unexplained lower back pain for a few years, before my first Lap 3 yrs later. During that time, I tried BCP's several times, Lupron, and Provera. None of which elimated the pain. After my first child was born, the pain returned and increased. 2nd lap was done before the birth of my 2nd child which was 6 yrs ago. During that time, very little pain and rarely had to take any med's or bring out the heating pad. Starting about 6 months ago, I had a bout of extreme nausea, constipation, and major fatigue. I didnt relate it to the endo, because of the lack of symtoms over the years. I began to see a GI who ordered a endoscopy and colonoscopy, and they were afraid of possible Chrone's Disease, which is prevelant on Dad's side. Reults---NOTHING. Then began the dreaded lower back pain, which has been almost constant since. I believe that the nausea/constipation is due to long term use of Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and every other drug I've used over the years for the pain. I have my first consult (with a new GYN) in a few weeks. I have researched having another Lap, and also reading findings on having a hyst. I also should mention, my grandmother (mom's side) died of breast cancer at age 43. So I'm finding that with all issues involved lead to having the hyst. I am aware of the post-op issues with Lap, but am seeing conflicting info on the hyst. I have read that the downtime with a LAVH is around a week, but a TVH is 6-8 weeks. I am not eligible for Family Med. Leave, so I want to make the right decision and do whats best not only for ME, but my family and my career. Any opinions or comments would greatly be appreciated.
Shannon

Your downtime for any hyst. is dependent on your body, how much you can rest, any complications, your doctor's instructions, any additional repairs done during surgery, etc.

GENERALLY, the recovery is about 6-8 weeks for each surgery.
The LAVH and TVH are usually an easier recovery because of no abdominal incision. However, restrictions on sex, lifting, activity, driving, bathing, etc are very close to the same. Many women "feel" better sooner after the LAVH or TVH but still can't do things like women who've had the TAH.
Everyone is different. Some women go back to work 2 weeks after a TAH,and some women don't feel ready to return until 8 weeks after a TAVH.

Shannon,

I'm sorry to hear you have had to live with endo for along time too.

The symptoms you are describing of the back pain, nausea, and fatigue I can relate to. I do understand wanting a hysterectomy to end the pain. It took me a long time (years) to find a doctor who was willing to help me.

I don't want to be a downer, but a hysterectomy isn't a cure for endo. There are ladies that suffer with endo after hysterectomy. There are some that keep their ovaries and others who haven't.

So the biggest suggestion is to make sure all your endo can be removed at the time of your surgery.

I noticed you said you had two laps since you were 14. You may want to consider another lap instead of hysterectomy. I had 4 of them and I did get more pain relief from them.

Are you seeing an endometriosis specialist? If not you may want to consider seeing one before making any decisions. I would also recommend a second opinion.

Another suggestion is to read Endometriosis Resources

Recovery periods for hysterectomies vary. I had a 4 week recovery period, but I think I was lucky in that light. I expected a recovery period of 8 weeks.

I hope you can find the best option for you.

Hugs,